NICHOLLS: FROST WILL BE THE TOPS

PAUL NICHOLLS predicted Bryony Frost could be ‘as good as any girl who has ever ridden’ after she made her first ride in a Grade One chase a winning one on Black Corton in the Kauto star Novices’ Chase. Frost, 22, and her mount jumped with precision, avoiding the carnage, particularly the fourth last fence fall of the strong travelling Fountains Windfall. she won by a length and a half winner from Elegant Escape. Black Corton gave Frost her first win after turning professional at Worcester in July and yesterday’s victory was their sixth together. Nicholls said: ‘it’s astonishing. Horses run and jump for her and today is a great example of why we have a lot of faith in her. if she is lucky and stays in one piece she will be as good as any girl who has ever ridden.’ in 2015 lizzie Kelly became the first female rider to win a Grade One over jumps when Tea For Two won the same race. For one moment that duo looked like they may land the King George when they loomed up to Might Bite. Black Corton may not reach those heights but there is no doubt Frost has the ability to compete with the best. The daughter of Grand National winning jockey-turned trainer Jimmy Frost has an innate style developed through a childhood of riding ponies bareback across her native Dartmoor. Frost said: ‘i keep swearing and it’s not very ladylike. i’m bouncing off the walls, i can’t contain it.’ Nicholls said Black Corton will be rested and prepared for the Rsa Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

CHAMPION jockey Richard Johnson will miss his rides at Chepstow today after a heavy fall at Wetherby.